Uncle Remus
Well-Known Member
Luckily they don't sell alcohol at those places so we should be safe. I think if it went that far it would be a travesty.
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World Cup Nonsense
- Thread starter FettFan
- Start date
Luckily they don't sell alcohol at those places so we should be safe. I think if it went that far it would be a travesty.
graphite1326
Well-Known Member
It really doesn't matter to me. Restaurantosaurus is one of my least favorite places to eat and I don't watch soccer. it's as about exciting as watching paint dry.
Hakunamatata
Le Meh
Really? The WWE got the "F" out years ago.
sshindel
The Epcot Manifesto
Look, I tend to be a stickler for theme from time to time. I may go overboard here and there simply asking that something adhere to the theme that has been designed.
I do however not find it against theme to think that a modern diner frequented by college students would potentially have TVs showing the World Cup. These days I actually find it less likely that they wouldn't have TVs. The place looks like a Dino-Applebees. Every Applebees I've ever been to has multiple TVs with sports playing.
Having something against theme would be like throwing plasma screen TVs up in Cinderella's Royal Table. Or playing the WC finals on the screen at Its Tough to be a Bug (which, by the way, I'd totally be up for if they did that, especially if they could rig up some effects to accompany goals).
I love to nit-pick theme, but this is not a case when I'd do it.
I do however not find it against theme to think that a modern diner frequented by college students would potentially have TVs showing the World Cup. These days I actually find it less likely that they wouldn't have TVs. The place looks like a Dino-Applebees. Every Applebees I've ever been to has multiple TVs with sports playing.
Having something against theme would be like throwing plasma screen TVs up in Cinderella's Royal Table. Or playing the WC finals on the screen at Its Tough to be a Bug (which, by the way, I'd totally be up for if they did that, especially if they could rig up some effects to accompany goals).
I love to nit-pick theme, but this is not a case when I'd do it.
I think there is a huge difference between putting a couple of screens in a counter service VS in a table service restaurant in the MK. We won't agree, so I'll leave it at that.
Roakor
Well-Known Member
Why would you want to spend your time at Disney watching a sporting event? I can see having it on tvs at some areas, those already sports related/themed. but if you have to watch it that badly then plan your vacation for another time. Personally I go to Disney to see Disney not to watch sports. Don't they have an ESPN area? Never really been there so don't know that much about it. And then there is allays this thing called a smart phone you can use if you have to watch something. But keep the parks Disney.
Gig 'Em Mickey
Well-Known Member
I wouldn't take time out of my park visit to watch soccer. However, I have no problem with them setting up a place unobtrusive to the rest of us. Besides it could help reduce ride wait times, or give people a nice place to sit down and take a breather. Just because it's there doesn't mean you have to participate.
Glasgow
Well-Known Member
Kind of agree with your viewpoint re: the ad hoc change to theming but WDW is in the entertainment business, which means providing a service to the public. Every once in a while you have to make exceptions to keep the majority (or even minority on occasions) happy. So while it may contradict with theming and paradigms and Walt's everlasting edicts, Disney is at its core providing a service in the entertainment business. So in that vein, I understand the temporary decision. Carry on.
sshindel
The Epcot Manifesto
Ahh, see, I didn't realize that watching said World Cup was a mandatory experience. From reading the OP, I was under the impression that they had added a couple TVs to a quick service restaurant to allow folks who were interested the ability to watch while they ate.
Reading more in this thread, I see I was mistaken, and guests are forced to watch this event upon entry to DAK. I'll bet sales at this QS establishment have gone through the roof due to the fact that tens of thousands of people are stuffed into this small place for the 2+ hours that the games are being broadcast.
Typical Disney Cash Grab...
Reading more in this thread, I see I was mistaken, and guests are forced to watch this event upon entry to DAK. I'll bet sales at this QS establishment have gone through the roof due to the fact that tens of thousands of people are stuffed into this small place for the 2+ hours that the games are being broadcast.
Typical Disney Cash Grab...
Ben_since_1971
Well-Known Member
From what I understand, outside of the AK eatery, the TVs were placed in unobtrusive areas that did not interfere with any other part of the parks. As someone else pointed out, Disney owns ESPN/ABC - of course they would try to promote it. As someone else said - it's a way to keep folks in the parks. I applaud Disney for recognizing the importance of the event.
I don't know if anyone has seen this, but they created the following video before the start of the tournament:
Read the description - they want people to watch the WC at WDW. They even have a WC topiary at Epcot!!! So why wouldn't they want to showcase the semis and the finals from within the parks?
I just wish I was there yesterday just to see the shock on the Brazilian fans faces - egads what a game.
I don't know if anyone has seen this, but they created the following video before the start of the tournament:
Read the description - they want people to watch the WC at WDW. They even have a WC topiary at Epcot!!! So why wouldn't they want to showcase the semis and the finals from within the parks?
I just wish I was there yesterday just to see the shock on the Brazilian fans faces - egads what a game.
Uncle Remus
Well-Known Member
Apparently a lot of people. Otherwise ESPN Zone and Wide World of Sports complex wouldn't exist. I shouldn't have to explain how popular sports are in our countries culture. It's a couple hours. Some people leave the park and nap. Some watch sports. Some people leave the park to swim. Some watch sports. Some people relax and escape by reading. Some watch sports. I know its crazy but not everyone is the same. Also some people don't have the liberty to decide when they go on vacation. Some people have to take vacations within certain windows. They may not have a choice when their vacation just so happens to coincide with a World event.
Plus like another poster mentioned its a nice break from the heat. Instead of going back to the hotel some may choose to catch a game. Last year while at the Food and Wine festival the Florida/LSU game was on. My wife and her friend went to the resort to relax an little bit and my friend and I went to the ESPN Zone and caught the game. Which means we spent money and food on drinks while my wife and her friend napped and did not. If there was no place to catch the game I might've done the same.
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Beholder
Well-Known Member
I never understood soccer until we put my daughter in it. My eyes were opened to an entire world of sports I never "got". Now, nearly 10 years later, looking to play in college, endless tournaments, camps, trainers, $$$$, club level, middle and high school, 3v3 (championships were at Disney!), and a little coaching herself, I have grown to love this game. And speaking for myself, if I were at a Disney park and happened to see part of a game, I'd consider that an enhancement to my day. I love Disney, I love soccer, so putting the two together makes sense to me. And I totally get why Disney would promote this, WDW is a global destination and futbol is the most global sport I can think of. It appeals to a vast amount of people. I've met folks from all over the world from just a Man U (haters don't judge) decal on my car. At Disney we've had people strike up conversations with us over my daughters RVP jersey. It's been a wonderful experience and putting it at Disney (in unobtrusive ways, yes) is ok with me.
jakeman
Well-Known Member
My wife and son took a nap when we went in February...I went to watch Duke blow a 14 point lead to Clemson at ESPN.
Uncle Remus
Well-Known Member
Case in point. Personally I appreciate how Disney provides so many diverse options for the amount of diverse people that come through on a daily basis. From Bass fishing to Jellyrolls piano bar
.
rt06
Well-Known Member
It's quite easy to arrange an itinerary around a two hour sporting event. Why do people miniature golf while at Disney? Go bowling? Watch a movie? Is there some rule that requires all waking hours spent on line, on a ride, in a pool, else your time is wasted?
I watched matches on my phone while on line and can tell the people around me were interested, but didn't want to intrude, so I would invite them to view and time would go by so quickly, and everyone was thankful and happy for the distraction.
If I go to a sports bar in Guatemala to watch the God awful Mets because I'm slightly homesick, why should I be judged because no one else in the room has a passing interest in what I'm viewing? Is that really what goes through some of your heads? Does the establishment care? I'm now a content, paying customer. Feed me. Beer me. Muchas gracias.
Really, what's your deal?
I watched matches on my phone while on line and can tell the people around me were interested, but didn't want to intrude, so I would invite them to view and time would go by so quickly, and everyone was thankful and happy for the distraction.
If I go to a sports bar in Guatemala to watch the God awful Mets because I'm slightly homesick, why should I be judged because no one else in the room has a passing interest in what I'm viewing? Is that really what goes through some of your heads? Does the establishment care? I'm now a content, paying customer. Feed me. Beer me. Muchas gracias.
Really, what's your deal?
And just how many more games are there? The TVs will be gone soon enough....
Speaking as a former soccer Dad, the sport really is growing here....Every where except the former colony and colony lite.
Its the sort of thing where a world cup is played for by teams from more than one country. Thats probably the root of the confusion.
And the good news is you don't have to enjoy soccer to be a hooligan....
Pumbas Nakasak
Heading for the great escape.
And just how many more games are there? The TVs will be gone soon enough....
Speaking as a former soccer Dad, the sport really is growing here....
And the good news is you don't have to enjoy soccer to be a hooligan....
No, indeed I played rugby, and was still a hooligan.
"Football is a gentleman's game played by ruffians, and rugby is a ruffian's game played by gentlemen."
The Empress Lilly
Well-Known Member
I would say that if one wants to watch soccerball instead of a themed environment, then don't visit a Disney park during a match.That's a pretty classless comment to make, OP. Lots of people like soccer and just because you don't doesn't make it "nonsense". Soccer is a HUGE sport, worldwide. If you don't want to see it, here's an idea... don't watch it! Seems pretty simple to me!
There are four billion tv screens, but only one WDW.
HRHPrincessAriel
Well-Known Member
The kiddo and I were still snoozing before the USA/Ghana game. DH wanted to watch but didn't want to wake us. He headed over to Epcot on his own(where we were planning on going later). The two of us just met him later.